Devin Jacobs
Some people have turned lying into an art form, and the results are both shocking and fascinating. These master manipulators knew exactly how to win people over, earn their trust, then pull the rug out from under them. Their schemes were so outrageous and well-executed that they fooled everyone from everyday folks to seasoned experts. Here are the stories of history’s most notorious con artists and scammers, and the incredible tricks they pulled off.
Bernard Madoff: The Brain Behind The Largest Ponzi Scheme
In a notorious financial scandal, Bernard Madoff orchestrated the biggest Ponzi scheme in history. The former NASDAQ chairman’s firm systematically defrauded investors of approximately $65 billion over decades. Its collapse in 2008 triggered widespread financial chaos, directly leading to a new era of stricter industry regulations.
Frank Abagnale: The Teen Impersonator And Forger
Before turning 21, he committed millions in check fraud. Frank Abagnale famously impersonated an airline pilot, a doctor, and even a lawyer, traveling through 12 countries. His whirlwind life, which later inspired the movie “Catch Me If You Can,” included a period working with the FBI, where he applied his expertise in fraud prevention.
Victor Lustig: He Sold The Eiffel Tower Twice
Dubbed “the man who sold a landmark,” he pulled off one of history’s most audacious cons. He fooled scrap metal dealers in Paris by claiming he had the authority to sell the Eiffel Tower, then sold it twice. Victor’s elaborate deceptions and convincing charm made him infamous as one of history’s most notorious fraudsters.
Natwarlal: The Indian Con Artist Who Sold The Taj Mahal
The Indian con man Natwarlal is known for his infamous schemes, repeatedly attempting to sell the Taj Mahal and other famous landmarks. He escaped from prison nine times, once using a clever disguise, and his exploits became part of Indian folklore.
Charles Ponzi: The Original Scheme Architect
His legacy stands as a strong warning against scams promising quick, unrealistic returns. The man whose name became synonymous with financial fraud, Charles Ponzi, made his fortune by promising investors a 50% profit, according to the report of Lawful Legal. His 1920s scheme defrauded people of $20 million.
Elizabeth Holmes: Silicon Valley’s Theranos Deception
Elizabeth Holmes became the face of Silicon Valley’s overhyped culture after creating a $9 billion company. It collapsed when investigations revealed its revolutionary blood-testing technology didn’t work. The dramatic fall from grace and her criminal fraud conviction serve as a grim cautionary tale for the biotech industry.
Sante Kimes: The Ruthless Mother Of Crime
Sante Kimes and her son built a criminal record that drew international attention. Through a mix of fraud, robbery, and murder, they terrorized victims and authorities alike. Their spree ended with convictions for both financial crimes and violent offenses.
David Hampton: The Socialite Imposter
Posing as the son of Hollywood actor Sidney Poitier, David Hampton charmed his way into New York’s elite social circles during the 1980s. His life of pure deception eventually inspired the film “Six Degrees of Separation.” With charisma alone, he gained access to vast luxury and money.
Anna Sorokin: The Fake Heiress Scam
She fooled New York City’s high society, posing as the wealthy German heiress “Anna Delvey.” Anna Sorokin scammed hotels and banks out of thousands of dollars. Her story, made even more famous by social media, shows how a fabricated identity can become a powerful tool for manipulation.
Bertha Heyman: The “Big Bertha” Swindler Of The 19th Century
Bertha Heyman, known as “Big Bertha,” carried out numerous cons in an era dominated by male fraudsters. Using feigned emotions and distress, she extracted money from unsuspecting victims. Authorities arrested her multiple times, making her a notable, though infamous, part of criminal history.